Translation guide
The English phrase 'do good' can mean to perform good deeds, to benefit others, or to act morally. It can also mean to succeed or perform well in informal contexts. This guide focuses on expressing the idea of doing good in Japanese, covering moral actions, benefiting others, and performing well.
To engage in actions that are morally right or beneficial to others.
A direct and formal way to say 'perform good deeds'. Suitable for written or formal contexts.
彼は生涯を通じて善行を行った。
He did good deeds throughout his life.
A common and natural way to say 'do good things'. Used in everyday conversation.
毎日少しずつ良いことをしよう。
Let's do a little good every day.
A literary or formal expression meaning 'to do good'. Often used in philosophical or religious contexts.
善をなす者は報われる。
Those who do good will be rewarded.
Literally 'to help people'. Implies doing good through helping others.
彼は休日に人助けをしている。
He does good by helping people on his days off.
To have a positive effect on someone or something.
Means 'to be beneficial' or 'to do good for'. Often used when something is good for someone's health, education, etc.
この経験は君のためになるよ。
This experience will do you good.
Means 'to be useful' or 'to be of help'. Can be used when an action benefits someone.
ボランティア活動は地域の役に立つ。
Volunteer work does good for the community.
Literally 'to give a good influence'. Used when someone or something positively influences others.
彼の言葉は私にいい影響を与えた。
His words did me good.
To do well in a task or situation, often used in casual English.
A casual way to say 'do well' or 'succeed'. Equivalent to 'do good' in informal contexts.
試験でうまくやったよ。
I did good on the exam.
Means 'to produce good results'. Slightly more formal than うまくやる.
彼は仕事でいい結果を出した。
He did good at work.
The literal translation '良いをする' is ungrammatical and never used. Always use a natural phrase like 良いことをする or 善行を行う.